NU 136 Exam 3 Theory Galen College of
Nursing
55 QUESTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
# TOPIC
1 Fluid & Electrolyte Balance
2 Acid-Base Balance
3 IV Therapy
4 Blood Transfusion
5 Perioperative Nursing
6 Wound Healing
7 Shock & Emergency
Page 1
,Q1
A client has a sodium level of 128 mEq/L. Which assessment finding is most consistent
with this value?
A) Increased thirst and dry mucous membranes
B) *Confusion and muscle weakness CORRECT
C) Hypertension and bounding pulses
D) Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
Rationale
Hyponatremia causes cerebral edema, leading to confusion, headache, and muscle weakness.
Q2
A client with heart failure has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which finding should the
nurse expect?
A) Tall peaked T waves
B) Constipation and bradycardia
C) *Leg cramps and weakness CORRECT
D) Decreased urine output
Rationale
Hypokalemia causes muscle weakness, cramping, and cardiac dysrhythmias.
Q3
A client's potassium is 6.4 mEq/L. Which ECG finding is most concerning?
A) Prolonged QT interval
B) Prominent U waves
C) *Widened QRS complex CORRECT
D) ST depression
Page 2
, Rationale
Progressive hyperkalemia produces peaked T waves, then QRS widening, then sine wave.
Q4
A client has a calcium level of 7.2 mg/dL after a thyroidectomy. Which assessment
finding is expected?
A) *Positive Chvostek sign CORRECT
B) Decreased deep tendon reflexes
C) Constipation
D) Polyuria
Rationale
Hypocalcemia causes neuromuscular irritability, including Chvostek and Trousseau signs.
Q5
Which food should the nurse recommend to a client who needs to increase potassium
intake?
A) *Bananas and potatoes CORRECT
B) White bread and pasta
C) Canned soups
D) Cheese and yogurt
Rationale
Bananas, potatoes, oranges, and leafy greens are high in potassium.
Q6
A client with chronic kidney disease should limit which electrolyte in the diet?
A) Sodium only
B) Calcium only
Page 3
Nursing
55 QUESTIONS
TABLE OF CONTENTS
# TOPIC
1 Fluid & Electrolyte Balance
2 Acid-Base Balance
3 IV Therapy
4 Blood Transfusion
5 Perioperative Nursing
6 Wound Healing
7 Shock & Emergency
Page 1
,Q1
A client has a sodium level of 128 mEq/L. Which assessment finding is most consistent
with this value?
A) Increased thirst and dry mucous membranes
B) *Confusion and muscle weakness CORRECT
C) Hypertension and bounding pulses
D) Hyperactive deep tendon reflexes
Rationale
Hyponatremia causes cerebral edema, leading to confusion, headache, and muscle weakness.
Q2
A client with heart failure has a potassium level of 3.1 mEq/L. Which finding should the
nurse expect?
A) Tall peaked T waves
B) Constipation and bradycardia
C) *Leg cramps and weakness CORRECT
D) Decreased urine output
Rationale
Hypokalemia causes muscle weakness, cramping, and cardiac dysrhythmias.
Q3
A client's potassium is 6.4 mEq/L. Which ECG finding is most concerning?
A) Prolonged QT interval
B) Prominent U waves
C) *Widened QRS complex CORRECT
D) ST depression
Page 2
, Rationale
Progressive hyperkalemia produces peaked T waves, then QRS widening, then sine wave.
Q4
A client has a calcium level of 7.2 mg/dL after a thyroidectomy. Which assessment
finding is expected?
A) *Positive Chvostek sign CORRECT
B) Decreased deep tendon reflexes
C) Constipation
D) Polyuria
Rationale
Hypocalcemia causes neuromuscular irritability, including Chvostek and Trousseau signs.
Q5
Which food should the nurse recommend to a client who needs to increase potassium
intake?
A) *Bananas and potatoes CORRECT
B) White bread and pasta
C) Canned soups
D) Cheese and yogurt
Rationale
Bananas, potatoes, oranges, and leafy greens are high in potassium.
Q6
A client with chronic kidney disease should limit which electrolyte in the diet?
A) Sodium only
B) Calcium only
Page 3
